Talking to Your Kids
Join Nicole Brownfield in a helpful guide on how to talk
with your kids about drugs. Learn the steps that will help
you communicate effectively with your children so they will
know where you stand on drug abuse.
7 Tips For Talking To Your Child About Drugs
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17 report that
obtaining marijuana is “easy or fairly easy?” Or
that 25% of youths between 12 and 17 say the same of crack?
Drug use can lead to a host of significant health, social,
learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young
person’s development. Getting high also impairs judgment,
leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal
activity or riding with someone who is driving high.
Because experts in substance abuse claim that parents are
the principal influence on their teenager’s decision
to use drugs, the message needs to start with you. Research
tells us that kids who maintain an open and honest line of
communication are far less likely to experiment with drugs
and alcohol. Many parents neglect to broach the subject primarily
because they are unsure how to begin. If you would like to
start a dialogue with your teen, begin by educating yourself
on the different types of drugs available and the risks and
dangers of each. Use television programs, anti-drug commercials,
or news about drugs to help you introduce the subject in a
relaxed, natural way. Then:
1. Be absolutely clear with your kids that you don't want
them using drugs. Ever. Anywhere. Don't leave room for interpretation.
2. Be a better listener. Ask questions and encourage them.
Paraphrase what your child says to you. Ask for your children's
input about family decisions.
3. Give honest answers. Some parents who used drugs in the
past choose to lie about it, but they risk losing their credibility
if their children discover the truth. This does not mean that
you need to recount every moment of your experience - some
details should remain private.
4. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand exactly
what your child is asking, and why, before answering questions
about your past drug use, and limit your response to that
information.
5. Don't react in a way that will cut off further discussion.
If your child makes statements that challenge or shock you,
turn them into a calm discussion of why your child thinks
people use drugs, or whether the effect is worth the risk.
6. Role-play with your child and practice ways to refuse drugs
and alcohol in different situations. Acknowledge how tough
these moments can be.
7. Repeat the message.
To further help your child resist the traps of drug and alcohol
addiction, experts suggest that you remain current on the
drug market and street lingo, set effective guidelines and
rules, strengthen your relationship with your child’s
school, and be a good role model for your teen. For more advice,
or to locate the right treatment facility for you, call the
Center for Substance Abuse Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
About the Author
Nicole Brownfield
71 County Road 269
Stevenson, AL 35772
(256) 437-8788
jnb8788@aol.com
Our drug and alcohol rehab website is an advocacy site for
those with substance abuse issues and their loved ones. We
strive to deliver the most accurate information about drug
and alcohol abuse including rehabilitation methods, centers
and current thought. Our hope is that everyone with a chemical
dependency problem seeks some form of rehabilitation so that
the damage to oneself and others can stop.
While we strive to bring the most accurate and relevant information
possible, we are not doctors, clinicians and medical researchers.
The information on this drug and alcohol rehab website should
not be substituted for that of your own personal doctor or
a trained physician in this field. We offer the information
of this site as a public service, so as they say, "take
what you need and leave the rest."
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